Core Insights - The county-level market in China is emerging as a new competitive arena for the automotive service industry, with a projected doubling of car wash and beauty stores by 2025 [2][4] - The automotive aftermarket is expected to reach a scale of 2 trillion yuan, with the penetration rate of new energy vehicles exceeding 50%, making the lower-tier market a critical growth area [2][4] Demand Drivers - The increasing number of vehicles, with a projected total of 353 million by the end of 2024, is driving demand, particularly in third and fourth-tier cities, which contribute nearly 60% of the growth [3] - The average age of vehicles in county areas has surpassed 5 years, leading to a surge in demand for car washing, beauty, and basic maintenance services [3] Industry Dynamics - Independent small repair shops are struggling, with 54% of single auto repair shops expected to see negative growth in customer visits by 2024, while chain brands are capitalizing on their advantages in procurement and standardized services [3][4] - The service gap in the lower-tier market presents a significant opportunity for chain brands to fill [3][4] Policy and Trends - The Chinese Chain Operation Association has identified "downward expansion" as one of the four main lines for the aftermarket, with local governments promoting the standardization of automotive after-services [4] - The impending "warranty expiration wave" for over 3 million new energy vehicles by the end of 2025 will create a spike in demand for battery maintenance and testing services in county markets [4] Company Strategy - Tuhu, a leading player in the automotive aftermarket, is leveraging its "system strength" rather than merely expanding its store count, focusing on a deep-rooted service network and standardized offerings [5][6] - As of June 2025, Tuhu operates 7,205 service stations, with a coverage rate of 70% in counties with over 20,000 passenger vehicles [5][6] Operational Excellence - Tuhu emphasizes detail-oriented standardization to alleviate customer concerns about service quality, ensuring that all core products are sourced directly from reputable brands [6] - The company has established partnerships with 135 educational institutions to train over 1,200 new energy vehicle technicians annually, ensuring skilled labor availability in county markets [6] Market Adaptation - Tuhu's strategy includes lowering entry barriers for franchisees and adapting services to meet local demands, such as expanding light beauty service capabilities to 5,700 stores by 2024 [7][8] - The introduction of digital tools, such as an intelligent pricing system, enhances operational efficiency and customer engagement in county markets [8] Industry Implications - Tuhu's approach signifies a new paradigm for the automotive service industry, demonstrating that the lower-tier market can be profitable and scalable [9] - The company's comprehensive standardization across supply chain, services, talent, and digitalization sets a replicable model for other chain enterprises in the industry [9]
县城养车店要翻倍，途虎如何把标准化服务“新范式”种进县域市场？